Repair of Scalp Necroses Secondary to Scalp-Lifting Using Strip Donor Harvesting in Combination with a V-T Plasty

Abstract

Extensive scalp-lifting is a technique that involves undermining and advancement of the entire occipitoparietal scalp in an upward and inward direction. Because such a large area is undermined with this operation, scalp necrosis can occur at the nuchal ridge. Although the incidence of this complication has been virtually eliminated by using prior ligations of the occipital arteries through vertical incisions, the possibility still exists. This article, therefore, is written to briefly point out methods to significantly reduce the incidence and magnitude of the necroses and ways to repair this complication should it appear. A combination of a V-T plasty and cluster harvesting is used for amelioration of this problem should it occur and is hence demonstrated.